Sussex County high jump record-holder Zach Davis finished fourth overall at the 119th annual Penn Relays on Saturday, and turned in the second-best performance by an American.

Davis, who cleared 6-10 3/4 earlier this month to break his county record for the second time in a week, successfully overcame 6-7 3/4 before failing to clear 6-9 and finishing in fourth with a medal on Saturday.

"My goal was to jump seven feet today, but you win some and you lose some," Davis said. "It was an awesome opportunity to be able to come out here and perform in front of a crowd like this. I'm a little disappointed but it was a great experience."

Davis said the 6-9 mark raised some difficulties.

"Once I hit 6-9 I started to lose a couple of the form things that I try to focus on," he said. "I started diving into the bar a little bit and I wasn't really getting up before I arched. So I need to work on maintaining my composure a little, and not letting the higher heights get to me.

"But like I said, it is what it is. It's a blessing to be able to come out here and perform."

The Sparta standout won the high jump competition at the indoor Meet of Champions this past winter. He said his first experience at the Penn Relays was like nothing else.

"It's pretty crazy with all the fans in the background and all of the noise," Davis said. "It's an awesome atmoshpere. I'm just blessed to be able to place fourth."

The Liberty-bound senior will still aim for seven feet as his high school career begins to wind down.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work," he said. "Of course the little form things here and there I have to perfect to be able to maximize my jump. Everything has to be perfect."

Christoffe Bryan of Wolmer's Boys (JAM) won the event with a jump of 7-0 1/2. Ibn Short of Milton Hershey (PA) was the top American with a mark of 6-10 1/4.